African Athletics Seniors Championships double winner, Marie-Joseè Ta Lou, says her decision to withdraw from the 2024 African Athletics Seniors Championships in Douala is due to poor organisation.
The Ivorian sprint queen withdrew from the competition after Day 1, citing concerns about the event's organisation, which she described as substandard and risky for athletes.
"This is for security reasons. I did this because the start of the competition wasn't too great," Ta Lou explained as quoted by satelliteinfos.net.
"I can't come and run and stay there without knowing the results on site and even the next step. I didn't like it at all. The conditions from the start of the competition were not pleasant for me.
"I wanted to stop because I hurt myself a little. Since the Olympic Games are already on the horizon, I preferred to stop to avoid big risks."
Ta Lou, known for her consistent presence and performance in African athletics, emphasised the need for improved conditions.
"We don't talk for the sake of talking but for things to change. Not just for us. We could have not come and stayed in our corners.
"But we decided to come and promote African sport because it is our competition. And that's what I've always done."
Addressing the withdrawal of other athletes, Ta Lou said, "I'm 35 years old and I take responsibility for what I do.
"Since last Wednesday as you noticed, I have not complained but if I did, it is because I just wanted to attract the attention of the leaders. Not with any intention of harm.
"The African championships are our competition as Africans. I am not asking that we be in American or European conditions either, I am aware of our realities.
"As proof, I always attended the African Championships. In 2018, 2016, 2012 and 2014, it was only the 2022 championships that I was unable to do because I had changed coaches and a shoulder problem. I am still happy because the conditions have improved."
Ta Lou, Nigeria sprinter Favour Ofili, and 2023 World Athletics Championships silver medalist, Letsile Tebogo had all threatened to pull out over what many described as a chaotic organisation of the event.
Latest Stories
-
My sister inspired me to start a fashion business – Diana Hamilton
23 minutes -
SIC Insurance PLC donates 50 laptops to KNUST
28 minutes -
I turned down specific brands because of my faith – Diana Hamilton
32 minutes -
‘Those who validate ghosts will pay’ – Finance Minister declares war on public sector payroll fraud
38 minutes -
GN Bank Chicago declared safe and sound by U.S. regulator
46 minutes -
Dando Manufacturing wins top honours for excellence in specialised drilling equipment and engineering solutions
57 minutes -
Private citizen donates patrol vehicle to Nkawie Police to boost crime prevention
1 hour -
Gov’t has worked hard to stabilise exchange rate, it’s time to lower prices – Finance Minister tells businesses
1 hour -
GJA orders re-run of Ashanti Regional Chairperson elections
1 hour -
Gov’t to deploy AI at ports to curb revenue leakages – Finance Minister
1 hour -
NPA scandal: Two more co-accused granted bail after meeting requirements
2 hours -
Gov’t launches forensic audit of stalled projects following loan discrepancies – Finance Minister
2 hours -
Minority Caucus demands repeal of L.I. 2462 as galamsey threat deepens
2 hours -
Full text: 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister
2 hours -
State actors shielding galamsey networks – Minority Caucus alleges
2 hours